Chinese SUV manufacturer, Haval, has poached designer Phil Simmonds from Land Rover in what will be seen as quite a coup for the brand as it seeks to expand its international presence. Simmons will be the new design director and vice-president of Haval where his main tasks will be to build a world-class design team and create a unique design for Haval models.
Simmons has been working in automotive design for more than 29 years.
Prior to his collaboration with Haval, he served as studio director for Land Rover exterior design.
Under his leadership and that of overall Land Rover design boss, Gerry McGovern, the 2018 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the 2017 Range Rover Velar and the 2016 Range Rover Evoque, Discovery and Discovery Sport models were created.
He also led the design team that developed the interior and exterior of earlier models — the 2014 Range Rover Sport and the 2013 Range Rover.
From 1999 to 2007, Simmons worked in various divisions of Ford, where he was responsible for the design of cars such as the 2009 Fiesta, the 2005 Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ.
He started his career in the UK and worked on various projects, including the 2003 Range Rover exterior and the 2002 BMW Mini interior.
With Simmons on board and Haval displaying ambitious plans, we will not be surprised to see it trying to poach a few more top designers to work in the team. – BD Motor News
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